We can’t be distracted, says Delta Lawmaker

The member representing Ethiope East Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Evance Ivwurie has described the assumption that the state lawmakers relocated to Labour House as wicked, malicious and diversionary.

Ivwurie told journalists in Asaba that the lawmakers did not relocate to Labour House for sitting.

In response to what he calls “unfair” or “biased” news reports, Ivwurie said the Delta State lawmakers can’t be distracted.

“The House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources held a public hearing at Labour House” he said.

To put the record straight, Ivwurie said the Delta State House of Assembly adjourned on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, stressing that the lawmakers are yet to resume sitting.

Ivwurie, who is chairman, House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, said a warning that participants will be embarrassed by the striking workers and the withdrawal of those saddled with logistics responsibilities in the assembly compelled the committee to make alternative arrangement.

“The Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources executed its oversight function of carrying out a public hearing on a bill to regulate nomadic cattle rearers (Fulani herdsmen) operation across Delta State” he said.

He described the public hearing as robust.

“The public hearing was chaired by the member representing Ethiope East Constituency, Hon. Evance Ivwurie. There was a big crowd in attendance including Hon. Daniel Mayuku, Hon. Samuel Mariere, Hon. Reuben Izeze, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, royal fathers, representatives of law enforcement agencies, ministries in the state, community leaders, pressure groups, local government chairmen, intellectuals and victims of Fulani herdsmen. The hearing started at 12noon and ended at 3; 40pm” he added.

All is well with DTHA, says Ebireri

The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Henry Ebireri on Wednesday rebutted claim by the chairman of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Delta State Chapter, Mr. Emmanuel Edozie that all is not well with the assembly, describing it as wicked, baseless and reckless.

He also advised the PASAN chairman to stop giving the wrong impression about the assembly.

“For the PASAN chairman to say that the speaker is insensitive and adamant to workers’ request is to say the least unbelievable. The workers owe RT. Hon Monday Igbuya an enormous debt of gratitude” he said.

In a statement in Asaba, Ebireri described Igbuya as a leader with genuine concern for others.

“The comment by the chairman of PASAN is wide off the mark and misconceived. It is also extremely contradictory in a number of areas, thus exposing the high level of ignorance of the PASAN chairman and his associates about the true state of affairs in the assembly.

Ebireri while advising PASAN members and other enemies of the state to be more decent with their choice of words in addressing the leadership of the house urged the workers and their sponsors to avoid acts that are capable of distracting the leadership of the Sixth Assembly.

“Edozie and his associates represent everything that must not be seen in a decent organization. They do not mean well for the state” he said

Ebireri praised Igbuya for his dynamic leadership, outstanding contribution and commitment to the development of the state.

“Workers at whatever level must demonstrate a certain degree of decency and exemplary conduct. Desperate workers, those without ideas are running away from real issues and resorting to character assassination and personal abuse. These workers are not united by the common desire to move Delta State forward but to bring down the speaker and his unprecedented record of performance”.

He appealed to those generating rumours and spreading lies to join hands with the leadership of the house in the onerous task of moving the state forward.

“In any system, there are always destroyers. The leadership of the Delta State House of Assembly should look away from these destroyers and get on with important matters of state.”

Delta Speaker mourns Ugbebor, says it is a difficult gap to fill

The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya on Friday mourned the death of Mrs. Irene Ekwutosi Ugbebor, describing it as painful.

Igbuya in a condolence message to the family described Mrs. Ugbebor as a caring mother and a pillar of support.

“Mrs. Ugbebor was a woman of many parts but one fact summarizes it all; humility and truth.”

Widely known for her kindness and uprightness, Igbuya said Mrs Ugbebor in life exhibited the vigour of doggedness and the tenacity of purpose.

“Mrs. Ugbebor lived a life of love and of commitment to the ideals of service to God and humanity”.

He prayed God to grant her husband, her children, members of her family and her close acquaintances the fortitude to bear the loss.

“I pray that God Almighty will comfort the principal secretary to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Mr. Hilary Ibegbulem, the personal assistant to my chief of staff, Ebere Nwiro and other members of the Ugbebor family” the speaker said.

He also prayed God to grant her eternal rest.

Mrs. Ugbebor will be buried on Friday, March 10, 2017.

Igbuya is a sincere leader, says CPS

The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Henry Ebireri, has risen in stout defence of Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya, describing him as a pious, diligent and sincere leader.

He also praised the speaker for defending the interests of the workers.

“Workers are critical to the growth and development of the state. Mister Speaker is committed to workers welfare. He will always support them through thick and thin” he said.

Reacting to the strike of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, (PASAN), Delta State Chapter, Ebireri not only commended Igbuya for his honest leadership but condemned those distorting the image of the House leadership.

He advised the workers to stop the antagonistic posture against the leadership of the Sixth Assembly.

“The issuance of warrant for outfit allowance is not the responsibility of the Rt. Hon Speaker or the leadership of the assembly”

“In spite of the current financial crunch, the state is up to date in its obligation to assembly workers. It is appalling that the workers locked all the entrances to the assembly complex and the commission thus barring commission members, political aides and others from entering their offices for normal work over outfit allowance, a matter that is receiving attention from the state government”.

He advised the workers to join Nigerians, home and abroad, in celebrating the achievements of the Sixth Assembly.

“Mister Speaker will continue to seek what is best for the good people of Delta State” he added.